Grand Rapids Griffins 17-18

[GrGriffins]

2018-03-15	Luke Esposito (LW)	Grand Rapids	ADD	Recalled from loan to Toledo (ECHL)
2018-03-15	Zach Nastasiuk (RW)	Grand Rapids	ADD	Reassigned by Detroit (NHL) from Toledo (ECHL)

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

Did not take Luke Esposito to come back to GR as he was sent to Toledo earlier this week.

 

[Mister Ed]

With 13 games remaining on the schedule, it looks like Detroit will keep their 7th rd pick from this year. It was used as future considerations in the McCollum deal.

2018 conditional 7th round pick*

*Condition: Flames only acquire the 2018 7th round pick if McCollum plays at least 20 minutes in 15 NHL regular season games.

 

[GrGriffins]

Rockford IceHogs 3 at Grand Rapids Griffins 4 (OT) - Status: Final OT
Friday, March 16, 2018 - Van Andel Arena

Rockford 0 1 2 0 - 3
Grand Rapids 1 1 1 1 - 4

1st Period-1, Grand Rapids, Ford 22 (Esposito, Lorito), 16:37.

Penalties-Clendening Rfd (slashing), 10:02; Tangradi Gr (interference), 13:16; Shine Gr (delay of game), 18:12.

2nd Period-2, Grand Rapids, Lorito 20 (Puempel, Hronek), 3:31 (PP). 3, Rockford, Svedberg 4 (Samuelsson, Sikura), 16:00.

Penalties-Noel Rfd (hooking), 3:19; Svedberg Rfd (hooking), 4:00; Street Gr (hooking), 17:25.

3rd Period-4, Rockford, Svedberg 5 (DiDomenico, Bouma), 10:26. 5, Grand Rapids, Street 16 (Lorito, Hronek), 12:47 (PP). 6, Rockford, Johnson 12 (Franson, Louis), 19:19.

Penalties-McIlrath Gr (tripping), 0:59; Knott Rfd (high-sticking), 11:25.

OT Period-7, Grand Rapids, Tangradi 26 3:53.

Penalties-No Penalties

Shots on Goal-Rockford 9-10-10-3-32. Grand Rapids 13-4-2-3-22.

Power Play Opportunities-Rockford 0 / 4; Grand Rapids 2 / 4.

Goalies-Rockford, Delia 12-6-4 (22 shots-18 saves). Grand Rapids, McCollum 12-12-3 (32 shots-29 saves).

A-10,015

Referees-Nick Gill (65), Brandon Schrader (24).
Linesmen-Jake Davis (23), Pat Richardson (67).

 

[GrGriffins]

Iowa Wild 2 at Grand Rapids Griffins 1 - Status: Final
Saturday, March 17, 2018 - Van Andel Arena

Iowa 0 0 2 - 2
Grand Rapids 1 0 0 - 1

1st Period-1, Grand Rapids, Lorito 21 (Ford, Esposito), 11:08.

Penalties-Gabriel Ia (fighting), 0:32; McIlrath Gr (fighting), 0:32; Kloos Ia (holding), 7:22; McLain Ia (interference), 19:06.

2nd Period- No Scoring.

Penalties-Russo Gr (cross-checking), 10:05; Elkins Gr (hooking), 17:54; Cannone Ia (slashing), 19:38; Ford Gr (roughing), 19:38.

3rd Period-2, Iowa, Fitzgerald 1 (Rau, O'Reilly), 13:48. 3, Iowa, Grant 9 (Loov, Beck), 19:44 (PP).

Penalties-McIlrath Gr (holding), 18:20; McIlrath Gr (misconduct - abuse of officials), 19:44.

Shots on Goal-Iowa 8-15-14-37. Grand Rapids 5-6-9-20.

Power Play Opportunities-Iowa 1 / 3; Grand Rapids 0 / 2.

Goalies-Iowa, Svedberg 18-11-6 (20 shots-19 saves). Grand Rapids, McCollum 12-13-3 (37 shots-35 saves).

A-9,176

Referees-Nick Gill (65), Mackenzie Nichol (68).
Linesmen-Jim Scarpace (75), John Tallieu (94).

 

[Redder Winger]

Well, 9,176 is a pretty nice crowd.

 

[ShelbyZ]

I drove out to GR to catch the game on Saturday. Was a good time but kind of a boring game other than some of the fun stuff between the whistles. Boy, McIlrath sure was livid at the end...

With how quiet they were on offense, I'm sure they're going to be happy to have Svechnikov and Bertuzzi back for the playoffs...

 

[ShelbyZ]

I also wondered if I'd see Kyle Quincey, but had no idea he hasn't even reported to the AHL Wild after the NHL Wild waived and demoted him.

 

[GrGriffins]

I also wondered if I'd see Kyle Quincey, but had no idea he hasn't even reported to the AHL Wild after the NHL Wild waived and demoted him.

I do not think that Kyle ever reported to Iowa. When he cleared waivers in December, Kyle did not report to Iowa as he was hoping that Minnesota would trade him to another NHL team before the TDL, which the Wild did not get any offers, so when the TDL passed and Kyle was not traded, he refused to report to Iowa.

 

[ShelbyZ]

I do not think that Kyle ever reported to Iowa. When he cleared waivers in December, Kyle did not report to Iowa as he was hoping that Minnesota would trade him to another NHL team before the TDL, which the Wild did not get any offers, so when the TDL passed and Kyle was not traded, he refused to report to Iowa.

I did some poking around on it, and it sounds more like the Wild didn't want him to report.

Looks like after clearing waivers, he hung around on the NHL roster for a few days while they looked for a trade. Eventually they wanted the flexibility to recall Ryan Murphy and JEE, so they assigned Quincey to Iowa, but told him to just go home while they continued to explore a trade. My guess is a trade never materialized, and they didn't want to add another veteran to an already vet heavy Iowa roster, so they washed their hands and have been paying him to stay home.

I would imagine if it were Quincey not wanting to report to the AHL, he would've been suspended by the team and/or had his contracted terminated.

 

[GrGriffins]

I did some poking around on it, and it sounds more like the Wild didn't want him to report.

Looks like after clearing waivers, he hung around on the NHL roster for a few days while they looked for a trade. Eventually they wanted the flexibility to recall Ryan Murphy and JEE, so they assigned Quincey to Iowa, but told him to just go home while they continued to explore a trade. My guess is a trade never materialized, and they didn't want to add another veteran to an already vet heavy Iowa roster, so they washed their hands and have been paying him to stay home.

I would imagine if it were Quincey not wanting to report to the AHL, he would've been suspended by the team and/or had his contracted terminated.

You would be right about that. Not surprised if that is what transpired on that. Did not see Kyle walking around the concourse on Wed nor Sat as I thought he might stop by at one of his stomping grounds here.

 

[GrGriffins]

I drove out to GR to catch the game on Saturday. Was a good time but kind of a boring game other than some of the fun stuff between the whistles. Boy, McIlrath sure was livid at the end...

With how quiet they were on offense, I'm sure they're going to be happy to have Svechnikov and Bertuzzi back for the playoffs...

Bertuzzi would be a big benefit here for sure. Svechnikov needs to find his game and gain back his confidence for him to be effective. He was pressing hard here in GR before his call up. Did get points in filling in the top line when Puempel was out for 2 weeks, but went back to his same old antics once Puempel came back to the lineup and on the top line.

Our top line (Street, Tangradi, and Puempel) is doing all the scoring, plus if they get a PP goal or two and that is about it for the past 2 weeks. Griffins seem to play much better on the road this season than here at home. This week will be a huge week for them playing in Milwaukee tonight, Fri and Sat in Iowa and Sun in Chicago. Hope for the best.

 

[GrGriffins]

Coach Nelson desperate for offense, broke up the top line as Campbell goes to the top line with Street and Tangradi. Puempel drops to the 2nd line with Turgeon and Lorito, McCollum starting in goal in Milwaukee tonight. Elson still out tonight, but could be back in the lineup on Friday.

 

[GrGriffins]

Grand Rapids Griffins 2 at Milwaukee Admirals 1 - Status: Final
Tuesday, March 20, 2018 - UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena

Grand Rapids 0 1 1 - 2
Milwaukee 0 0 1 - 1

1st Period- No Scoring.

Penalties-Lorito Gr (slashing), 20:00.

2nd Period-1, Grand Rapids, Lorito 22 (Russo, Renouf), 11:25.

Penalties-Pettersson Mil (bench minor - too many men), 2:11; Hicketts Gr (interference), 13:38.

3rd Period-2, Grand Rapids, Elkins 9 (McIlrath, Lashoff), 3:22. 3, Milwaukee, Zolnierczyk 18 (Gaudet), 12:02 (SH).

Penalties-Dougherty Mil (cross-checking), 11:29; Hronek Gr (tripping), 17:33.

Shots on Goal-Grand Rapids 12-10-8-30. Milwaukee 7-8-7-22.

Power Play Opportunities-Grand Rapids 0 / 2; Milwaukee 0 / 3.

Goalies-Grand Rapids, McCollum 13-13-3 (22 shots-21 saves). Milwaukee, Lindback 27-18-4 (30 shots-28 saves).

A-3,058

Referees-Jarrod Ragusin (2), Peter Tarnaris (17).
Linesmen-Rhodes Dolan (68), Jameson Gronert (95).

 

[Mister Ed]

I figure he will report with the Griffins?

 

[Winger98]

I don't have the tweet in front of me but I guess Sulak is first getting a medical issue checked out in Detroit, and if he's cleared on that he'll possibly report to GR.

 

[GrGriffins]

2018-03-23

Libor Sulak (D)

Grand Rapids

ADD

Reassigned by Detroit (NHL) from Lahti (Liiga)

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

Must have had his medical issue resolved as it is official.

 

[GrGriffins]

Grand Rapids Griffins 5 at Iowa Wild 3 - Status: Final
Friday, March 23, 2018 - Wells Fargo Arena

Grand Rapids 0 4 1 - 5
Iowa 1 1 1 - 3

1st Period-1, Iowa, Fitzgerald 2 (Rau, O'Reilly), 13:10.

Penalties-Grant Ia (slashing), 3:47; Esposito Gr (interference), 9:37.

2nd Period-2, Iowa, Grant 10 (Cannone, Beck), 6:09 (PP). 3, Grand Rapids, Puempel 22 (Street, Tangradi), 15:56 (PP). 4, Grand Rapids, Esposito 1 (Russo, Holmstrom), 16:34 (PP). 5, Grand Rapids, Russo 7 (Elson, Nastasiuk), 17:16. 6, Grand Rapids, Tangradi 27 (Campbell, Street), 18:20.

Penalties-McIlrath Gr (interference), 4:27; Russo Gr (slashing), 5:35; Salituro Ia (delay of game), 10:56; Fitzgerald Ia (delay of game), 14:40; Svedberg Ia (slashing), 15:04.

3rd Period-7, Iowa, Anas 21 (Beck, Kloos), 9:26. 8, Grand Rapids, Lorito 23 (Tangradi, Street), 11:54 (PP).

Penalties-Renouf Gr (roughing), 11:05; Gabriel Ia (roughing), 11:05; Gabriel Ia (slashing), 11:54; Russo Gr (slashing), 19:58; White Ia (misconduct - abuse of officials), 19:58.

Shots on Goal-Grand Rapids 12-19-11-42. Iowa 9-7-12-28.

Power Play Opportunities-Grand Rapids 3 / 5; Iowa 1 / 4.

Goalies-Grand Rapids, McCollum 14-13-3 (28 shots-25 saves). Iowa, Svedberg 18-13-6 (42 shots-37 saves).

A-6,907

Referees-Kenny Anderson (66), Corey Syvret (42).
Linesmen-Chad Evers (5), Justin Hedlund (5).

 

[GrGriffins]

Grand Rapids Griffins 3 (SO) at Iowa Wild 2 - Status: Final SO
Saturday, March 24, 2018 - Wells Fargo Arena

Grand Rapids 0 2 0 0 - 3
Iowa 1 0 1 0 - 2

1st Period-1, Iowa, Anas 22 (Menell, Soucy), 4:25.

Penalties-No Penalties

2nd Period-2, Grand Rapids, Holmstrom 6 (Renouf, Esposito), 10:31. 3, Grand Rapids, Puempel 23 (Hronek, Tangradi), 16:01 (PP).

Penalties-Loov Ia (cross-checking), 15:02; Elkins Gr (high-sticking), 16:47.

3rd Period-4, Iowa, Rau 18 (Fitzgerald, O'Reilly), 12:37. Penalties-No Penalties

OT Period- No Scoring.Penalties-Palmquist Ia (hooking), 4:47.

Shootout - Grand Rapids 2 (Holmstrom G, Puempel NG, Hronek G), Iowa 1 (Anas NG, Rau NG, O'Reilly G).

Shots on Goal-Grand Rapids 12-11-10-8-1-42. Iowa 9-4-13-5-0-31.

Power Play Opportunities-Grand Rapids 1 / 2; Iowa 0 / 1.

Goalies-Grand Rapids, McCollum 15-13-3 (31 shots-29 saves). Iowa, Michalek 11-6-6 (41 shots-39 saves).

A-7,822

Referees-Kenny Anderson (66), Corey Syvret (42).
Linesmen-Justin Hedlund (5), Alex Stagnone (7).

 

[Unfriendly Ghost]

Interesting that they're using Hronek in the shootout. And it's working.

 

[TheMule93]

Interesting that they're using Hronek in the shootout. And it's working.

Feels good to know that we actually have a d prospect with some skill for once

 

[GrGriffins]

Interesting that they're using Hronek in the shootout. And it's working.

He scored the game winning shootout goal last season for GR on a herky jerky move that froze the goaltender to where he almost came to a dead stop. Goalie was ticked off at the ref for allowing the goal.

 

[GrGriffins]

He got the game winner tonight.

 

[GrGriffins]

Grand Rapids Griffins 2 at Chicago Wolves 3 (SO) - Status: Final SO
Sunday, March 25, 2018 - Allstate Arena

Grand Rapids 2 0 0 0 - 2
Chicago 0 0 2 0 - 3

1st Period-1, Grand Rapids, Russo 8 (Esposito, Machovsky), 16:15. 2, Grand Rapids, Lashoff 4 (Elson, Campbell), 19:55.

Penalties-Thompson Chi (high-sticking), 6:14; Hyka Chi (holding), 14:15; Bennett Chi (tripping), 16:39.

2nd Period- No Scoring.

Penalties-Shine Gr (tripping), 18:53; Pulkkinen Chi (slashing), 18:53.

3rd Period-3, Chicago, Pulkkinen 22 (Hyka, Leslie), 3:32. 4, Chicago, Leslie 5 (Hyka, Bennett), 19:29.

Penalties-Matteau Chi (charging), 4:55; Thompson Chi (roughing), 9:54; Pirri Chi (delay of game), 15:59; Russo Gr (roughing), 17:05.

OT Period- No Scoring.

Penalties-No Penalties

Shootout - Grand Rapids 0 (Holmstrom NG, Esposito NG, Hronek NG), Chicago 1 (Hyka NG, Pirri G, Pulkkinen NG).

Shots on Goal-Grand Rapids 15-8-5-4-0-32. Chicago 4-12-11-1-1-29.

Power Play Opportunities-Grand Rapids 0 / 6; Chicago 0 / 1.

Goalies-Grand Rapids, Machovsky 1-1-1 (28 shots-26 saves). Chicago, Dansk 9-1-2 (32 shots-30 saves).

A-6,122

Referees-Shaun Davis (31), Jarrod Ragusin (2).
Linesmen-Mike Daltrey (27), Jonathan Sladek (53).

 

[firebirds11]

I saw from a GR fan that they asked Nelson a week or two ago if Bert was coming back to GR for the playoffs. They said that Nelson told him that he wasn't expecting Bert to be back. Have you heard any additional information about that besides that Detroit made him eligible for playoffs?

Just a Toledo fan wanting to get Sadowy and Nastasiuk back for our playoffs...

 

[Claypool]

I saw from a GR fan that they asked Nelson a week or two ago if Bert was coming back to GR for the playoffs. They said that Nelson told him that he wasn't expecting Bert to be back. Have you heard any additional information about that besides that Detroit made him eligible for playoffs?

Just a Toledo fan wanting to get Sadowy and Nastasiuk back for our playoffs...

They did make him eligible for the playoffs. It's possible, that since Bert is contributing at the NHL level (and is currently on the 1st line with Zetterberg) that sending him to the minors after the season might be seen as a douche move. In Bert's mind he's probably thinking he's an NHL player, so he shouldn't have to go back to riding the bus. Who knows.